Written Answers Nos. 279-298
279. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if funding allocated to his Department in Budget 2026 has been ringfenced for the second phase of the Stardust redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56079/25]
View answerFollowing engagement with legal representatives of the families of the victims of the Stardust fire, the Government, in August 2024, approved a two-phased approach to redress arrangements.
Phase one of the redress, for the families of the 48 victims of the fire, was recently completed. Work to develop phase two proposals, concerning survivors of the fire, continues to be advanced by my Department. This assessment will, in considering an appropriate mechanism, consider the compensation awards made by the Stardust Victims’ Compensation Tribunal established in 1985.
Once that work has been completed, I look forward to bringing those proposals to Government for consideration following which my Department will make the necessary arrangements to provide the funding that may then be required.
280. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he can provide an update on an ‘apparent lacuna in law’ relating to a case (details supplied); if he has engaged with the victim in this matter since coming to office; if his officials have prepared options in relation to changes in policy to address cases where victims are not afforded a right to information on the detention circumstances of convicted perpetrators, including their release; if so, if he will bring forward proposals in this area;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56085/25]
View answerI am aware of the distressing circumstances of the case raised by the Deputy.
While the Victims of Crime Act 2017 greatly expanded the right to information for victims and has been operating effectively in most cases, my Department is aware of complexities in cases concerning concurrent custodial sentences. In this instance I am aware that the perpetrator was not released at the end of sentence imposed, and will remain in the Central Mental Hospital as a result of the concurrent, but longer period of detention for the unrelated offence.
Given the unique and complex nature of the case referred to, my officials remain committed to examining in due course, how we can ensure that a person’s right to information about the release date would continue to operate where the actual date of release from detention is deferred due a separate detention in the CMH on an unrelated matter. This examination will consider the implications and will include considering whether amending legislation is required.
281. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe for members of An Garda Síochána to be in a position to issue fixed charge notices from their mobility devices for non-compliant number plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56116/25]
View answer290. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if An Garda Síochána are in a position to issue summonses for registration plate offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56302/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 290 together.
I am advised that work is ongoing within An Garda Síochána to issue fixed charge notices and summonses for registration plate offences.
An Garda Síochána have now incorporated seven new offence code wordings, in Irish and English, onto its ICT systems. After a period of testing, these new offence codes will be made available to operational members via mobility devices.
It is envisaged that this process will be finalised before year end.
282. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 will be progressed. [56149/25]
View answer283. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022. [56150/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
The Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 did not progress in the lifetime of the last government.
The Programme for Government commits to updating our licensing laws, and in line with this commitment, consideration will be given to legislation in respect of the sale of alcohol as part of the Government’s Legislative Programme in due course.
The Government's Autumn Legislative Programme, published on 17 September, sets out the Bills that are prioritised for publication and for drafting in the current Dáil session. Further elements of the Programme for Government will be advanced in future legislative programmes.
284. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of international protection applicants currently residing in IPAS accommodation centres in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56223/25]
View answerThe State is currently accommodating over 32,500 people in 316 IPAS centres around the country.
As of 5 October 2025, there are 499 international protection applicants resident in Co. Offaly.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) releases weekly statistics in relation to international protection applicants accommodated by IPAS.
This includes a per county breakdown of resident numbers along with other details including gender and nationality.
These statistics are located on the Gov.ie website: www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/facts-and-figures/ .
285. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the work carried out to date to enable the establishment of a new Independent Human Rights Monitoring Mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56224/25]
View answerThe EU Migration and Asylum Pact has been designed to establish a common approach to migration and asylum that is based on solidarity, responsibility, and, importantly, respect for human rights.
Part 15 of the General Scheme of the new International Protection Bill provides for the establishment of an independent monitoring mechanism as provided for in the Screening Regulation and Asylum Procedures Regulation. To align the monitoring mechanism with other Ombudsman and oversight organisations in the State and to enhance independence and accountability, the General Scheme proposes that the mechanism’s functions will be conferred on an individual Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures.
It is my intention to publish the Bill by the end of the year and to progress toward enactment early in 2026.
Initial steps are being taken toward the establishment of the Chief Inspector post, and funding has been allocated in the 2026 Estimates to that end.
286. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of times An Garda Síochána have been deployed for protest management at Leinster House in 2024 and to date in 2025; the total expenditure incurred by An Garda Síochána for these deployments in both years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56225/25]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
287. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the resources needed by his Department to implement the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in June 2026; the total estimated cost of implementing the EU Migration and Asylum Pact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56226/25]
View answerIreland has opted in to the EU Asylum and Migration Pact which will come into effect in June 2026. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU, and through the introduction of streamlined and faster processing times.
My Department continues to focus on preparing for the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in advance of June 2026.
The General Scheme of a new International Protection Bill to give effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact was approved by Government on 29 April 2025. The General Scheme has been published and referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny. The drafting of the Bill is underway. It is expected that the Bill will be published by the end of the year. Enactment of the Bill and commencement of the Act is required by 11 June 2026.
In the short term, the processing costs to the State will increase as two parallel legislative systems will operate for some time. The exact amount will depend on applicant numbers and will be settled annually in the course of engagement on the Estimates process, as is currently the case, but these processing costs are far lower that the costs of accommodation and other supports.
In the medium to long-term this investment will show a return in the form of decreasing annual costs because of the improved, faster processing it will enable, thereby reducing the time an applicant remains in the system, with significant accommodation and other costs.
There is a substantial EU budget to be distributed through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) being made available to support implementation of the Pact across the EU. Ireland has received approximately €21.5m under the AMIF Thematic Facility Specific Action and a further approximately €8.9m AMIF funding will be made available on foot of a mid-term review.
288. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department intends to allocate any funding to establish a domestic and gender-based violence refuge exclusively for male victims of domestic and gender based violence; if he accepts that the complete absence of any such refuge to date is not acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56246/25]
View answerCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that victims and survivors receive the support and care they need is an absolute priority for me.
Cuan, the statutory domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) agency is committed to providing safe and accessible accommodation and support services for victims and survivors of DSGBV.
As the Deputy's question relates to an update regarding work being carried out under the remit of Cuan, I have referred it to the Agency for direct response.
289. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to clarify precisely what the Minister of State in his Department meant when he stated during a recent Dáil debate that “we are determined to reduce the overall number coming in” (details supplied); the steps being taken to reduce the overall number coming into the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56290/25]
View answerThe number of International Protection applications have been rising over the past number of years, reaching 18,500 in 2024. This year, we are beginning to see application numbers noticeably reduce with 37% fewer compared with the same period in 2024.
Minster Brophy and I believe that implementing a more efficient migration system is a key element in reducing the numbers coming to Ireland to seek international protection, particularly where individuals are unlikely to be entitled to that protection.
As such it is a priority for my Department to have recommendations made on all international protection applications as soon as possible. This gives status to those who are entitled to international protection to rebuild their lives here, while also ensuring faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.
There has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity.
In 2024, the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 14,000 first decisions compared to over 8,500 in 2023, while the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) closed around 3,100 appeals in 2024 compared to over 1,700 in 2023.
In 2025, to the end of Q3, there has been a 51% increase in the total number of first decisions when compared to the same period in 2024. The IPAT also aims to increase the number of appeals completed over the course of 2025 with recruitment of Tribunal Members to increase its decision-making capacity currently taking place.
There has also been a significant increase in the numbers of deportation orders signed and enforced. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
Deportations are costly and complex to enforce. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. A person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued and I have increased resources into this programme to enable persons who wish to return before a deportation order is issued to them.
The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403) increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). This year, 3,370 deportation orders have been signed up to 10 October 2025.
Last year, 1,122 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.), an increase of 252% compared to 2023 (317). This year, 1,582 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways up to 10 October 2025.
My Department also continues to focus on preparing for the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in advance of June 2026. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU.
The General Scheme of a new International Protection Bill to give effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact was approved by Government on 29 April 2025. The General Scheme has been published and referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny. The drafting of the Bill is underway. It is expected that the Bill will be published by the end of the year. Enactment of the Bill and commencement of the Act is required by 11 June 2026.
291. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 1622 of 8 September 2025, if a temporary permission (stamp 1) will be granted including the right to work to an individual who has worked legally in Ireland for many years and whose circumstances have changed, but is still the owner and operator of a business (details supplied), where their input is required daily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56313/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the case of the person referred to is being considered in the context of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling in the Chenchooliah.
The ECJ ruled that such people can only be removed on foot of a Removal Order made under Article 15 of the EU Free Movement Directive. As a result of this ruling, a new Removal Order process needed to be developed in Ireland, based on the provisions of Article 15 of the Directive. This new removal process is in the final stages of development.
While the formal process is being put in place, my Department set up an interim process for people impacted by this judgement. As part of this process, people can apply for permission to remain in the State on a temporary basis. If successful they are granted a temporary permission on a Stamp 1 basis which allows them to work while their substantive application for permission to remain is being processed to completion.
I can advise the Deputy that the person referred has submitted representations to be granted permission to remain in the State which were received on 26 September 2025.
The person concerned should note that their case is amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, at this point in time, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when a decision will issue. However, I can advise the Deputy that processing times for cases in this process are approximately 11 months from application.
292. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the specific oversight role he personally exercises in relation to Ireland’s engagement with the EU Entry/Exit System (EES); if he has appointed a senior official or taskforce within his Department to coordinate national readiness; and when he last received a departmental progress briefing on the matter. [56324/25]
View answer293. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the Government has formally considered or approved a decision to opt in to the EU Entry/Exit System; the date of any such Cabinet memorandum or discussion; and when a final decision will be brought before Government for ratification. [56325/25]
View answer294. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline how his Department intends to inform the public and civil society organisations about the operation and privacy implications of the EU Entry/Exit System; to specify whether public information campaigns will be conducted; and to confirm the languages and accessibility formats to be used. [56348/25]
View answer295. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe for the phased introduction of the European Union entry/exit system across member States; if Ireland will participate in the scheme from the EU’s stated full operational date of 10 April 2026; and the derogations, exemptions, or transition arrangements applicable to the State. [56350/25]
View answer296. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to set out Ireland’s legal status under Protocol 21 of the Treaties in relation to the entry/exit system; to confirm whether the Government has formally exercised an opt-in or opt-out to the underlying regulation; and to provide the date and outcome of any related correspondence with the European Commission or Council. [56351/25]
View answer299. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department expects the European Union’s new entry/exit system (ESS), which has now become operational in the Schengen area, to have implications for irregular migration to Ireland; if his Department will be monitoring the impact of the ESS on irregular migration to Ireland; if there are plans to introduce changes regarding entry and exit to the State as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56399/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 292, 293, 294, 295, 296 and 299 together.
I can advise the Deputy that the Entry/Exit System (EES) is a Schengen measure which will introduce digital border controls at external borders of the Schengen Area. As Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area, it is not implementing the EES. In this context, additional staffing, information campaigns or legislative changes would not be required in Ireland as its introduction relates to changes to border controls in other jurisdictions.
The EES, was launched on 12 October 2025 and will be deployed gradually at the external borders of the countries in the Schengen Area over a 6-month period. The EES will not apply to Irish nationals or to travel within the Common Travel Area. Non-EU nationals traveling from Ireland to the Schengen Area will be registered on the EES of the relevant country, unless they are exempt.
As Schengen Member States implement border controls on behalf of each other they require shared operational systems, such the EES. As a non-Schengen member Ireland does not require the operational capacity to grant access to the Schengen zone and therefore is not party to this measure.
Ireland has an option, provided for in Article 3.1 of Protocol 21 annexed to the Treaty of Lisbon, to opt-in to individual proposals in the area of freedom, security and justice. However, the introduction of the EES constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part, in accordance with Council Decision 2002/192/EC. Therefore, the Government has not been required to exercise it’s ability to opt-in under Protocol 21.
While my Department is not responsible for the introduction, operation or oversight of the EES, guidance for Irish residents who may be travelling to the Schengen Area is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/at-the-border/eu-entry-exit-system-ees/ .
For the full list of who is exempt from the EES please see www.travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply .
Implementing effective border security arrangements is a priority for me as Minister. The Programme for Government commits to developing a border security strategy to deliver stronger border security, ensuring technology supports border screening and to reviewing the potential of extending pre-clearance mechanisms, such as electronic travel authorisation, for travel from designated third countries. This work is underway.
Ireland will continue to operate its own visa and border systems following the introduction of the EES. There are already systems in place to ensure that relevant information in relation to individuals can be checked at a port of entry. Everyone arriving at a port of entry will have their travel documents inspected by either an Immigration Officer or, for certain confined categories, an electronic system (E-gates). They will also be subject to a Schengen Information System (SIS) check. Under this system Ireland sends and receives SIS II information (termed ‘Alerts’) on persons and objects; for example persons wanted for criminal purposes, missing persons and objects which have been stolen or are wanted as evidence for a judicial purpose.
Changing migration trends are kept under continual review by my Department. Any variation in migration trends following the introduction of the EES will see my Department adapting its response accordingly.
297. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration pursuant to the commitment in the Programme for Government, the date he plans to bring the general scheme of legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas to give effect to Ireland being fully included in the remit of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. [56381/25]
View answer298. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration pursuant to the commitment in the Programme for Government and answers he gave in Dail Éireann the formal confirmation that has been given to the European Commission that Ireland intends to end its opt out position with respect to membership of the EPPO; when was such an intention communicated to the EU in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government. [56382/25]
View answer301. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the legal basis on which Ireland currently engages with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, including any instruments of cooperation, memoranda of understanding, or statutory provisions, including dates and documentary references; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56422/25]
View answer302. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the name, grade and contact point in his Department responsible for Irish liaison with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office; to state whether that post is permanent, seconded, or temporary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56423/25]
View answer303. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of European Public Prosecutor’s Office requests received by Irish authorities; the number of requests complied with in full; the number complied with in part, and the number refused; to include a short description of the reason for any refusal, by year since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56424/25]
View answer304. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to identify any cross-border investigations since 2020 which involved Irish persons, companies or assets and where the European Public Prosecutor’s Office was involved; the current status of each case; the lead authority in Ireland; whether mutual legal assistance or preservation orders were used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56425/25]
View answer305. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the resources, staff numbers, budget lines and training, allocated by his Department and by the State to support cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in 2024 and to date in 2025; to identify any additional resources required to meet foreseeable demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56426/25]
View answer306. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there are any outstanding legal, operational or data-sharing barriers that impede timely cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office; if so, to list each barrier and the specific legislative, policy or administrative change proposed to remove it, with an estimated timetable for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56427/25]
View answer307. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his Department’s formal plans to change, expand or otherwise evolve Ireland’s engagement with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office over the next 12 months, including any proposed legislative measures, memoranda of understanding, staff appointments or bilateral arrangements with other Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56428/25]
View answer308. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will publish, in full, the legal instruments, memoranda and standard operating procedures relied upon for European Public Prosecutor’s Office cooperation; and if not, the reasons why; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56429/25]
View answer309. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the oversight arrangements in place in Ireland to ensure European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) requests are handled in accordance with EU law and Irish law; to provide copies of any internal audit or review carried out in the past three years on EPPO cooperation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56430/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 297, 298, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308 and 309 together.
The European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO) was established in 2017 under the EU's enhanced cooperation measure to investigate and prosecute crimes against the financial interest of the European Union.
These crimes are as set out in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law, otherwise known as the PIF Directive.
Ireland decided not to opt in to the EPPO Regulation at that time, given that it represented a departure from our common law model of investigation and prosecution.
Ireland has, however, transposed the PIF Directive and the full suite of measures to investigate and prosecute PIF offences are available to Irish authorities under our domestic structures.
The Government approved the drafting of the General Scheme of legislation to allow Ireland to join EPPO in October 2023. The detailed preparatory work required before the Government makes a formal decision to join EPPO is ongoing.
I can advise the Deputy that, in the meantime, co-operation with the EPPO as a non-participating Member State is operational and working well, and legislative changes required to facilitate Ireland’s cooperation with the EPPO are fully operational as of 1 November 2023.
This was effected by way of amendments to the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, which enables Irish-EPPO cooperation by creating a legal framework for EPPO to make requests for assistance directly to the State.
Since then, there has been ongoing positive engagement with the EPPO in relation to the processing of mutual legal assistance requests.
The Central Authority for Mutual Assistance in my Department is the contact point for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Central Authority is a permanent unit within the Department’s Service Delivery function and is staffed in accordance with available resources. Staffing levels are reviewed periodically, and I can assure the Deputy that all EPPO requests are handled in accordance with the legislation and are prioritised.
While it would not be appropriate to provide details of individual EPPO cases, I can say that the Central Authority has received in excess of 50 requests from EPPO since 2021, 24 of which have been closed.
I can further assure the Deputy that Irish officials enjoy a positive and collaborative working relationship with the EPPO, and it is expected that this will continue as the work on the legislative and operational aspects of Ireland’s future participation in the EPPO progresses.
The Irish Government remains fully committed to protecting the Union’s financial interests and to providing every support possible to the EPPO as it carries out its very important work.
